Celtic Design: A Beginner's Manual

First of all let me say that I bought these books used. The seller was great, the price was great, and the books arrived timely in great condition. As for the books, I expected more. They are filled with great examples of historical celtic art. But there is very little actual instruction. I feel like I wouldn't know where to begin other than just copying what is already there, but perhaps that's what is required for an art form like this.

This gave more geometry than I was expecting but has all the basics of how Celtic Design works. When you see something of this style it's all wrapped around itself and seems like it would be impossible to figure out, but with the help of this book you can see how the designs evolve. A fascinating book, more of a manual than a read from front to back. I'm really glad to have this in my library.

This is a must-have for any student of celtic design. Highly recommended, as are all the Aidan Meehan celtic design series books. Do not let your library be without this volume.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is a great start on actually doing the art. It takes time- it is a moving meditation, to do this, well so is most art, however this is really nice.

Will recommend to all my students

Not really a BEGINNER'S manual, more complicated than I can do well. Lots of knotwork examples, but not simple emough for me.

A bit too elementary.

Very clear and usable instructions.

I really like this book. It contains easy to follow instructions. I was primarily interested in knotwork designs which, to my surprise, are omitted from this book (there is another book in the series dedicated to that particular area). Buying this book started me on an entirely different area of Celtic design: tiles and mazes (also often referred to as 'key patterns'), and I'm hooked. They're fascinating and this book gives plenty to get the reader started. There is also a pretty good section on spirals, and another on letters.All in all, I'd recommend this book for anyone looking to get started on drawing something besides knotwork (or finds knotwork baffling).WARNING: may lead to an addiction of Celtic maze designs, which can cause late nights spent wondering 'what happens if I change this angle or join these lines instead', then drawing it to find out.

I found the book very easy to understand. Step by step instructions which is very helpful.

Anyone who is interested in Celtic Knotwork, but have not has to confidence to create their own designs, will find much guidance in this book. It contains instruction for creating knotwork in various shapes, as well as lettering and guidance on Uncial calligraphy with illuminated capitals.

A good introduction to the techniques and philosophy of Celtic interlace. Honestly, once you have this one, you might as well get the others in the series straight away. (I did it all backwards, the others first in no particular order, and finally the beginner's manual to complete the collection.) The explanations are clear, precise and the artwork elegant and legible even to the unpractised eye.

As someone just starting this art form I found the book a great starting point. Rather wordy but I enjoy background information. I would have like the illustrations a little larger but I found I was able to use them. I like the fact that he Irish letters ar included as it is whatwe think of when lookin at Celtic "writing"